Finding the right pair of golf shoes can be a daunting task. You need functionality, comfort, and style. Yes we men do need some style when playing the game. When shopping for mens golf shoes, there are hundreds of styles and types of shoes to choose from.
When I am shopping for that shoe that is just right for me, I have many questions running through my head. Plastic spike, metal spike, or no spike? What color? Do I need waterproof shoes? Where are the best deals? What is Rory wearing this week? OK, that last one might be a fan talking but that is for another article.
All of these questions need answers so let’s take a look at a few different shoes to see which ones really fit the bill.
The Look Is So Important!
Style is the first thing you see when looking for a shoe. Men are typically a very visual animal. No, we are not typically thinking of which outfit these shoes will match with. For me it is often times, how many pairs of shorts do these golf shoes match?
Something I’ve noticed is that the newer style of shoes are trying to look like sneakers or other casual shoes that blend in. It seems that the idea here is to be able look like you could go to dinner right after your round without having to change, (except for those pesky spikes clicking on the floor as you walk) this would be a great idea. Or that you just walked in off the street and are ready to play.
The older style of shoe was not worried as much about style as functionality. This style was more about saying “I am a Golfer” or “If you hadn’t noticed I am playing golf here”!
So really we need to figure out what your style is, do you like to see some mesh in the toe or is a solid toe better for you? Are you the type of golfer that needs to match from head to toe? If so you will probably find a brand you like and buy multiple colors to match your different sets of attire.
For me I typically want something that is fairly neutral in color to go with everything. I need either a black or gray even a white shoe. I also like the solid toe as I tend to play in areas that have a lot of rainfall or other wet environments. Take a look at the three sets of mens golf shoes from Amazon.com
Callaway Men’s Balboa TRX
Adidas Powerband BOA Boost
How Much Grip Do I Need?
So as you are looking at these mens golf shoes, you need to figure out what type of golf course you normally play? You may find yourself playing courses with a lot of water which makes those fairways or tee boxes quite slippery. If so, you will want to choose a pair of shoes with golf spikes, that is if the course even allows them.
Most courses today do not allow metal spikes and it is pretty tough to find shoes that have metal spikes. Because of this you will find more choices in the soft or plastic spike category.
A lot of golfers are switching over to the shoes that have built in spikes or a non-spiked tread that still grips pretty well.
This is really dependent on your type of swing, your comfort level, and what the course you are playing allows.
Maintaining Your Shoes is a Must
What do you mean I should not put my shoes on until I get on the course? I see it often that someone will just wear their shoes from the house to the course and back. It cracks me up when I see someone in the grocery store in golf shoes.
It is always best to change into your shoes when you get to the course. I often times will not put my shoes on until I get to the first hole. It really does protect the tread and or spikes on my shoes from unneeded wear.
You also need to maintain your spikes if you have them. They need to be tightened once in a while. It is always a good idea to clean the gunk from the bottom of your shoes so that the threads for your spikes do not get all blocked up or locked up with dried mud.
Other than those few things golf shoes really do just maintain themselves.
Blisters After 9 Holes
There is nothing worse than getting to the turn and finding out that you can barely walk because the shoes you just bought are wearing quarter size holes into your heels. Or they are rubbing your little toe so bad it feels like you will end up with 4 toes at the end of the round.
Yes it is a good idea to give those new shoes some time in your back yard to break them in a bit.
Comfort really matters. If your shoes do not fit well, your concentration and focus will not be where it needs to be and your score will show it. When it is time to buy new shoes for this next season, I will be buying the Callaway Men’s Balboa TRX Golf Shoe. I will probably get the black ones.
Share Your Favorite Golf Shoe
In the end it is truly your decision. I have some friends that actually have more golf shoes than they have normal shoes. They enjoy the many styles and so they are always showing off their style and brand when we play. I encourage you to also share which shoe you find to be the best.
Feel free to send me a comment or an email with your favorite shoes and why I would love to hear from you!
As always may your drives be straight and your putts end up in the cup!
See you on the course!
